Southern Charm star Michael Kelcourse has died.
Michael— best known for being Patricia Altschul‘s devoted (and hilarious) butler on the Bravo show— passed away on Tuesday, three years after suffering a debilitating spinal cord stroke.
In a post shared on CaringBridge, his friend Luzanne Otte wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I share Michael Kelcourse died on October 22 in Sarasota, Florida, due to complications related to a spinal cord injury and stroke.”
Last month, Luzanne alerted Michael’s fans that Michael’s health was declining and that he was entering “into the final chapter of life.”
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In her CaringBridge post, Michael’s friend paid tribute to him.
“In the years following Michael’s February 2021 spinal stroke, he remained extraordinarily good natured about the cruel twist of fate,” she wrote. “As hope of recovery dwindled here, Michael focused on blessings there. A profound inspiration for all who crossed his path. Despite relatively constant disappointment from an unending stream of medical complications related to spinal cord injury, the only time I ever witnessed Michael with spirits down was when he started hospice care in June.”
Luzanne revealed that Michael suffered another stroke earlier this month.
“Death began knocking harder on Michael’s door in early October, at which time he suffered a debilitating stroke. It paralyzed his right side and left him without the ability to speak. His left hand and mental faculties remained intact,” she revealed.
During his last days, Michael was surrounded by his close family and friends, during which he enjoyed the well-wishes sent to him by ‘Southern Charm’ fans.
“Thank you to all who took the time to raise him up in prayer and kindness. What greater gift than to die knowing you are loved and your life will be remembered,” Luzanne wrote.
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Since his 2021 spinal cord stroke, Michael seemed to be making strides toward getting better. In June 2021, Patricia shared a picture of Michael with her son Whitney Sudler-Smith and told fans, “[Whitney] had a great visit with #michaelthebutler in Atlanta today. He’s got an indomitable spirit and is working hard with his physical therapy.”
In December 2023, Michael appeared to be in good spirits as Patricia visited him at his care facility.
“First there was Covid.. then my back fracture so this is the first I’ve ever been able to spend time with Michael,” she wrote.
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Unfortunately, the last health update she provided before Michael’s passing was on October 7 and the news wasn’t good. She informed fans that Michael had another stroke.
“I am told that while he cannot read messages on his phone or Instagram, he can receive cards,” she wrote on Instagram.
Following news of his death, Patricia shared her own tribute to Michael on Instagram.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Michael, who left us yesterday morning in Sarasota. More than just a devoted butler, he was a trusted friend, confidant, and member of our family for over 20 years,” Patricia wrote. “Michael’s time on ‘Southern Charm’ endeared him to many, as his humor and kindness quickly made him a fan favorite. Over the past two weeks, he was deeply touched by the incredible number of cards and well-wishes from fans. I’ve been told there were hundreds, and they brought him immense joy during his final days.
“I will be devoting this week to remembering Michael. I know he meant so much to so many of you, as he did to us. He will be greatly missed.”
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Several Bravo stars left their thoughts on Michael in the comment section of Patricia’s post.
“Michael was truly a wonderful man. I’ll never forget the small kindnesses he extended towards me,” wrote former ‘Southern Charm’ star Thomas Ravenel. “Such thoughtfulness and kindness, I’m sure I’ll never encounter again. He was that rare of a person with such a generous soul. May he meet his maker and rest in peace.”
“Oh Patricia I am so sorry to hear this news,” wrote Landon Clements. “He was such a wonderful man and a dedicated friend to you. He taught me how to make a real martini and I shall think of him every time I hammer the ice and shake one up. Sending lots of love. Cheers to you both.”
“I am so sorry to hear it,” wrote Andy Cohen. “Thanks for sharing him with us.”
Patricia’s son Whitney also publicly mourned the loss of his mother’s devoted companion.
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“RIP Michael Kelcourse, aka “Michael the Butler”, a member of the family and a true legend. You will be missed,” Whitney wrote in the caption of a photo of him visiting Michael.
Watch a funny Michael moment below!
RELATED STORY: Michael Kelcourse– Former Butler of ‘Southern Charm’ Star Patricia Altschul– Reportedly Entering “Final Chapter of Life”
2 Responses
He honestly was the very best part of Southern Charm. You could see that he was a caring soul. He will be missed.
Never watched it but that was the impression I got scrolling through the pics.